Boat Review - Contender 39FA

For over 30 years, Contender Boats has grown and improved along with the changing boat market. As the needs of their customers changed and the desire for a larger boat increased, Contender was there for them every step of the way. The boater who once only cared about having only the most capable fishing machine available was willing to sacrifice creature comforts for serious fish worthiness. Enter the Contender 39 FA. This largest offering from Contender has proven that you can have both a serious tournament ready machine along with luxury amenities in a single platform without having to forfeit one aspect of either class for the other. It's likely for this reason that the Contender 39 FA is their best-selling model at this writing.

A problem builders have encountered historically is adding a usable cabin/enclosure without intruding on free working space on deck for fishing. By combining the space afforded on this larger hull with smart styling and engineering, Contender has struck a very nice balance. The 39 FA offers a roomy deck both forward and aft to launch a serious campaign against the fish and a passageway alongside of the center cabin, wide enough to comfortably work around for easy 360-degree access to the water. The streamlined design of this cabin more closely resembles an over-sized center console than a cabin but the interior tells another story. Down below you'll find plenty of headroom in the aft section to utilize a full galley including a cooktop, dual door Isotherm refrigerator/freezer, Corian countertop/sink, and a fully enclosed head with a shower. The enclosure is offered in a unique easily collapsible design which when not in use adds space to the entry area or can be opened up to trade the space with the shower occupant. A roomy Queen sized berth is located forward and of course the cabin is air conditioned. The cabin's outer shell frames a three across helm area featuring a wide open panoramic view through a three-sided Strataglass/Polycarb style windscreen. The helm face is large enough to easily accommodate a pair of 16-inch MFDs and all instrumentation. A three across helm seat features independent electronically controlled Llebroc helm seats with center pilot seat.

The forward cockpit deck is clean and roomy enough for crew to work around the boat without feeling crowded and includes a large, deep sided insulated fish hold below the center deck. The forward section of the console above the cabin berth offers a King sized sun lounge area with a plush upholstered perfectly reclined backrest. In the cockpit aft, a giant 100-gallon live well is located below deck ahead of an additional large storage compartment which also serves as home for an optional generator. Access to all pump/systems in the bilge is just forward of the transom. An additional pair of insulated fish holds flank these center hatches to Port and Starboard. Across the transom are a matching 40-gallon live wells, one of which is insulated and can be alternately be used as a fish box. Notably, the 39 FA is rated for up to 1400-horsepower but our test model rigged with only 3-300 HP Yamahas easily pushed us over 60-MPH and along with the easy ride Contenders are known for showed impressive 1.4 MPG fuel stats at cruise.

As with every model offered at Contender, the 39 FA is fully customizable and built to your specs. Anyone looking for the comfort and amenities a cabin boat offers combined with superb efficiency as a tournament ready fishing platform will not be disappointed with all the Contender 39 FA has to offer.

Contender 39 FA Specifications

Length: 39 feet

Beam: 10 feet 8 inches

Draft: 24 inches

Deadrise: 24.5-degrees

Weight: 15,000 pounds (loaded)

Maximum Horsepower: 1400

Fuel capacity: 460 gallons

MSRP: $469,249